The right post bacc

[futuredoctor7]

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I'm a junior in undergrad and I have decided I want to change careers and be a physician, so I'm looking into post bacc programs. I would like to go to med school in Colorado where I live regardless of if it's DO/MD, although I'd prefer MD. That being said, should I do a post bacc program in Colorado (Boulder, Denver)? Or should I try to get into a top post bacc? If I decide to try to get into a top post bacc like Goucher or Bryn Mawr, what are the most beneficial things I can do to increase my chances? What does a really competitive applicant look like?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[wlf87]

The new MCAT has probably not changed what a competitive applicant looks like: strong GPA (3.8+), MCAT (32+ equivalent), volunteering, shadowing (if possible), research (if possible). Other than that, I guess it helps to be blessed with a good amount of luck as this whole process is a bit of crapshoot.

If you're still a junior, it's cheaper and easier just to take the required MCAT prereqs? Unless your gpa is really bad; In that case, I would think doing really well in rigorous science classes in your regular University (not community college) will be equally helpful as doing some topnotch SMP.

 

[futuredoctor7]

I'm not looking to take classes at an SMP and I haven't taken the MCAT. I'm a junior with a 3.7 GPA and a Political Science major. I figured I could either postpone graduation a year and take the required courses at my college, or do them all in a single postbacc year. I figured I would do better on the MCAT if I took them all in a year because it would be fresh in my head. That's why I decided to go that route.

 

[threesparrows]

Taking the classes at your current college sounds easiest and most expedient. You already have a good GPA so I don't think you need to prove anything academically by doing a super accelerated, brand name postbacc. Also, it's possible that you might be less successful in such a program, due to the unfamiliarity and stress of moving to a new place where you don't have a support network. Plus, you can save all the $$$ you'd spend on such a program and spend it on useful things like MCAT tutoring, application, and interview expenses. Straight As in prereqs and a high MCAT score will be more useful to you than a fancy postbacc.

 

[futuredoctor7]

Okay, I was particularly interested in the support for MCAT. I haven't taken math since freshman year, and I'm not a very good test taker, although I scored a 33 on the ACT. I know CU med school is very supportive of in-state students so maybe it would help me to just do my own informal post bacc at Boulder.